Author: Blake Foster

The new mural, in Priory Court Estate, was designed by artist INSA alongside the Digital Story Company and Wood Street Walls, with input from estate residents. The mural is the first permanent one in the estate’s 80-year history and features designs based on stories, memories, and ideas from more than 60 residents. The estate’s first permanent mural features youth-led design and animation (Image: © London Borough of Waltham Forest) As well as the designs, residents helped to create the mural, with young people learning painting and animation techniques. There is also hand-sewn ornamentation by estate group the Bees Knees. The…

Brits’ financial confidence has grown in the last 12 months – despite economic uncertainty, recent volatility in the stock market and falling interest rates. A study of 4,015 adults found many are feeling more assured when it comes to saving, investing, retirement and managing their personal finances than they did in 2024. More than four in 10 (41 per cent) now feel ‘very confident’ managing their personal finances, up from 32 per cent last year. While 84 per cent are feeling confident in their ability to save (up five per cent year-on-year), with 42 per cent going as far as…

The study of 2,000 adults found 75 per cent have a friend who is ‘always’ late – with 20 per cent having to wait an hour or more beyond their agreed meet time for a pal. Although they’ll typically chase them up after 19 minutes to get an estimated time of arrival. While 60 per cent say summer is their favourite time to socialise, and many (20 per cent) feel closest to friends during this season, it also means more time spent waiting. But 39 per cent will kill time waiting for their mate to eventually arrive by looking at…

A Wimbledon fan was spotted causing a stir at the London tournament – by ditching classic cream for Garlic & Herb Dip on their strawberries. The bold tennis enthusiast turned heads in the Wimbledon queue – by dipping the much-loved strawberries into a tub of Domino’s dip. Clara Jennings, 29, from Guildford, confused fellow spectators as she tucked into the unusual combo while lining up to get into the global tennis tournament. She said: “Everyone does cream – I wanted something different. Sweet, savoury, and a little bit weird… but it works! “I brought it as a bit of a…

Around 6.10pm on June 10, a group of men are said to have boarded the Underground train at Heathrow Terminal 5 station. When on the train, they allegedly carried out attacks on a number of teenage girls and an adult woman.(Image: BTP) They then got off the train at Knightsbridge station. Detectives looking into the incident have released a picture of a man they think could help with their enquiries. ANyone who recognises him is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 289 of 10 June. Alternatively, you can…

They can turn up with family, friends or neighbours who can join in. The People’s Games are being held in Dagenham on September 13 by the North East London Cancer Alliance for all ages and abilities with a chance to try out different activities. It will be at the Barking Sporthouse gym in Mayesbrook Park, from 11am to 3pm. The alliance helps to improve cancer services for patients in Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge, Newham, Waltham Forest, Tower Hamlets and Hackney. The Shoreditch event took place on June 28 in Haggerston Park, off Queensbridge Road. The aim is to break down barriers that…

Providing the most unusual combination of lime green and pink, Echinacea ‘Green Twister’ is on offer with You Garden.   With incredibly vibrant magenta and acid green flowers for a stunning clash of colours, the plant looks fabulous in borders or planters and amazing in groups for an unmissable shock of colour. Echinacea ‘Green Twister’ is described as a “superb perennial” by the You Garden team and is adored by wildlife, including bees, butterflies and birds. It is also hardy and robust with long, strong stems, ideal for cutting and long lasting. So, with its many benefits…get a pop of…

The annual concert series sees some of the biggest names in music perform on the Great Oak Stage, with the likes of Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones and Adele featuring in previous years. The band, The Chrome Hearts, will join the ‘Harvest Moon’ artist and is just one of the many mega stars headlining BST Hyde Park. If you were lucky enough to get tickets to see Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts at BST Hyde Park, here’s what you need to know, including the lineup, timings and more. When is Neil Young at BST Hyde Park? The ‘Old Man’ singing will be performing at BST…

Officers were called to the station in Townmead Road on June 18 just after 5.20pm following reports of an assault. At the scene a 20-year-old man was treated for stab injuries. He was taken to hospital with serious injuries and has since been discharged. British Transport Police officers believe the man in the CCTV image may have information which could help their investigation Two men have previously been arrested and charged in connection with the attack. Joseph Jakada, 21, of Cambridge Gardens, Kensington, appeared at Highbury and Islington Magistrates’ Court on July 4. Aidan Watts, 20, of Cremorne Estate, Kensington, appeared at Inner…

Berrylands station, which is served by South Western Railway trains, has been earmarked for Network Rail’s improvement programme over the next five years. Opened in 1933, it is one of the few remaining stations in London that still has wooden platforms. Network Rail has now confirmed that the station will have to shut for more than three months next summer. This means no trains will call at the station from May 11 until August 23, 2026. According to Network Rail, work at the station will be focused on improving safety and ensuring a “reliable experience for passengers”. Among other changes, both platforms…